Captured Dignity: Unveiling Double Standards in the Treatment of Prisoners of War
Videos recording the treatment of a recently released Russian POW reveal disturbing international realities.
Volodymyr Zolkin is a Ukrainian YouTuber who gained recognition through videos recorded of ‘interviews’ with Russian prisoners of war (POWs). The treatment of prisoners of war (POWs) often fails to align with the provisions set forth in the Geneva Convention, as is generally the case with international law. However, an examination of these videos reveals a disconcerting reality: Zolkin's public interrogations may very well push the boundaries of legality and morality outlined in the Third Geneva Convention, casting a shadow over his own actions.. The murky ethical landscape surrounding these interviews demands scrutiny, posing fundamental questions about the adherence to international law and the protection of prisoners' rights in the midst of this protracted conflict.
One of the most egregious examples is that of Russian pilot Maxim Sergeevich, a Lieutenant Colonel captured on March 5th, 2022 after his SU-34 fighter jet went down as the result of an attack. Irrespective of specific political views on Russia and Ukraine, the nearly three-hour-long 'interview'—more like a twisted spectacle—between Sergeevich and Zolkin reveals a type of dignity in Maxim that is rarely witnessed in modern society. Juxtaposed against the interviewer's arrogance and immaturity, the unwavering composure of the Lt. Col., reminds the world of what it means to be a gentleman even in the most brutal of circumstances. The distressing visual records, be it the chilling videos or the orchestrated press conferences, lay bare the grim reality of the torture inflicted upon Maxim Sergeevich by Ukrainian forces during his captivity. Within days of his capture, a widely publicized press conference arranged by the Ukrainian government showcased a disfigured and swollen Maxim, bearing the visible signs of brutal mistreatment.
After enduring 424 days of captivity, Lieutenant Colonel Maxim Sergeevich was finally freed from Ukrainian captivity through a POW exchange with Russia earlier this month. I highly recommend watching the videos recorded during Maxim's captivity, though some of them are deeply disturbing. They provide a raw and unfiltered perspective that is often absent in the English-speaking media sphere, offering valuable insights into the realities experienced by individuals caught in the midst of geopolitical tensions.
The disconcerting disparity between the treatment endured by Maxim Sergeevich and the actions of NATO forces brings to light a troubling double standard in the realm of international affairs. While swift condemnations and demands for justice echo when it involves violations committed by non-aligned nations, such as the mistreatment of prisoners, a noticeable discrepancy emerges in cases involving NATO or its member states. It's imperative for peace that the international community upholds a consistent standard of conduct, irrespective of political alliances, to ensure a fair and unbiased approach to conflict resolution, with equal accountability.
Zolkin asks, “Who do you think will win this war?”
“Nobody.”
-The Shultz Report by M. Shultz